Kalmar and OCHA continue long-standing cooperation in training of straddle carrier drivers

 
CARGOTEC CORPORATION, TRADE PRESS RELEASE, 18 APRIL 2017 AT 11 AM (EEST)

 

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, continues its long-standing cooperation with the training centre for port workers, OCHA. OCHA is adding a second Kalmar electric straddle carrier to its fleet in order to meet increasing demand for trained drivers at the Port of Antwerp and abroad. The existing straddle carrier will be refurbished as part of the order, and both machines will be covered by a Kalmar Care maintenance contract.

 

With four straddle carrier operators at the port and increasing container volumes, there is constant demand for trained drivers. OCHA has been training straddle carrier drivers using Kalmar equipment since 2003, and the new machine will help the organisation expand its training capacity significantly. 

 

Last year OCHA trained 3,070 people and conducted 659 training programs for port workers. The straddle carrier training programme comprises one week on simulators followed by two weeks on real machines. After this, the drivers are ready to commence real port operations.

Ann Baats, Manager at OCHA, says: "Our operations have grown steadily over the years, from a relatively small training centre to a larger-scale comprehensive training facility with special focus on crane and straddle carrier operations. Kalmar equipment supported by a comprehensive maintenance contract will continue to play a key role in facilitating our multifaceted training offering, ensuring a safe, high quality and productive workforce in the Port of Antwerp and abroad."

Damien Cols, Director, Strategic Accounts at Kalmar, says: "We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with OCHA by providing reliable equipment that offers the best possible hands-on training experience. We understand how valuable this training is in supporting safe and efficient cargo handling."

 

 

Damien Cols, Director, Strategic Accounts, tel. +32 475 77 5695, damien.cols@kalmarglobal.com 

 

Maija Eklöf, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Kalmar, tel. +358 20 777 4096, maija.eklof@kalmarglobal.com

 

Kalmar offers the widest range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and to heavy industry. Kalmar is the industry forerunner in terminal automation and in energy efficient container handling, with one in four container movements around the globe being handled by a Kalmar solution. Through its extensive product portfolio, global service network and ability to enable a seamless integration of different terminal processes, Kalmar improves the efficiency of every move. www.kalmarglobal.com

 

Kalmar is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's (Nasdaq Helsinki: CGCBV) sales in 2016 totalled approximately EUR 3.5 billion and it employs over 11,000 people. www.cargotec.com